Articulating mechanical thigh extension composite trim payout linkage system

ABSTRACT

A motor vehicle seating assembly comprises a seat frame, a cushion fixedly attached at a first end thereof to the seat frame, and a motor disposed on the seat frame and operably coupled with a displaceable second end of the cushion, wherein actuation of the motor operates the cushion between an extended position and a retracted position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/549,972, filed Aug. 25, 2017, entitled“Cushion Nose Extender.” This application is also a continuation-in-partof and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to commonly assigned, andrelated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/096,364, filed Apr. 12,2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,046,681, issued Aug. 14, 2018, entitled“Articulating Mechanical Thigh Extension Composite Trim Payout LinkageSystem,” and is also a continuation-in-part of and claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 120 to commonly assigned, and related U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/096,374, filed Apr. 12, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No.10,081,279, issued Sep. 25, 2018, entitled “Articulating Thigh ExtensionTrim Tensioning Slider Mechanism,” each of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a lower seat cushion for amotor vehicle seating assembly and, more particularly, to a motorvehicle seating assembly that includes a motor driven extendable andretractable integrated cushion nose for the lower seat cushion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern motor vehicle seats are becoming more and more comfortable asdesigners improve their understanding of human ergonomics, posture, andcomfortability. Motor vehicle seating assemblies that include comfortcomponents in the motor vehicle seatback and the motor vehicle lowerseat can provide the driver and passengers with improved comfort andincreased endurance for extensive vehicle rides. Additionally, varioussizes and shapes of drivers and passengers can prove challenging whenproviding motor vehicle seating assemblies. Accordingly, aestheticallyattractive motor vehicle seating assemblies that include componentsoptimized to accommodate the different sizes and shapes of drivers andpassengers, as well as the desired posture and sitting positions ofthose drivers and passengers, has become increasingly important. Inparticular, movement of the cushion nose forward and backward givesdrivers and passengers control over how the lower seat cushion supportstheir legs and calves, leading to increased overall comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicleseating assembly comprises a seat frame, a cushion attached at a firstend thereof to the seat frame, a rail operably coupled with a second endof the cushion and the seat frame, and a motor disposed on the seatframe and operably coupled with the second end of the cushion, whereinactuation of the motor operates the cushion between an extended positionand a retracted position.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   A motor vehicle seating assembly comprising a seat frame, a        flexible cushion fixedly attached at a first end thereof to the        seat frame, and a motor disposed on the seat frame and operably        coupled with a displaceable second end of the cushion, wherein        actuation of the motor operates the cushion between an extended        position and a retracted position.    -   The seat frame further comprises a seat base and a seat cushion        base, the seat cushion base having an upper surface upon which a        stationary padded seat is supported, and the first end of the        cushion and a first end of the stationary padded seat are in        juxtaposed and abutting relation as the cushion is operated        between the extended and retracted positions.    -   A telescoping rail assembly operably coupled with the second end        of the cushion and the seat frame, and a drive mechanism        comprising a threaded spindle extending from and driven by the        motor operably disposed on the seat frame, and a spindle nut        threadingly receiving the threaded spindle and operably coupled        with the second end of the cushion, whereby actuation of the        motor rotates the threaded spindle to displace the spindle nut        and the second end of the cushion between a first position        corresponding with the extended position of the cushion and a        second position corresponding with the retracted position of the        cushion.    -   A motor, threaded spindle, and spindle nut disposed beneath the        seat frame and hidden from view from a position at the same        level or above the motor vehicle seating assembly.    -   A first slidable member operably coupled with the second end of        the displaceable cushion and a second slidable member operably        coupled to the first slidable member and operably coupled to a        bottom surface of the seat frame, wherein the second slidable        member is slidably disposed relative the first slidable member,        wherein the seat frame comprises a seat base and a seat cushion        base and the seat cushion base has an upper surface upon which a        stationary padded seat is supported and the seat cushion base        further comprises the bottom surface to which the second        slidable member is operably coupled.    -   The first slidable member is fixedly attached to the second end        of the cushion.    -   The second slidable member is fixedly attached to the bottom        surface of the seat frame.    -   The first and second slidable members comprise a pair of        telescoping rails.    -   The motor is fixedly attached to the seat frame.    -   The seat frame comprises a seat base and a seat cushion base.    -   The first end of the cushion is fixedly attached to a forward        portion of the seat cushion base.    -   The seat base further comprise an enclosure having a back wall        and a pair of lateral walls extending forward of and        orthogonally to the back wall, and a pair of laterally displaced        mounting ears disposed on an interior surface of each of the        pair of lateral walls and projecting into an interior of the        enclosure of the seat base, the seat cushion base further        comprises a pair of laterally displaced attachment surfaces        disposed on a bottom surface of the seat cushion base, wherein        the seat cushion base is supported by the laterally displaced        attachment surfaces, each of which is attached to one of the        pair of laterally displaced mounting ears, and each of the pair        of laterally displaced mounting ears and the laterally displaced        attachment surfaces comprise aligned attachment holes for        attachment of the seat cushion base to the seat base.    -   The seat base further comprises a lower wall by which the motor        vehicle seating assembly is mounted to a motor vehicle        structure.    -   The cushion further is comprised of a flexible material and has        an outer surface comprised of trim cover stock.    -   The forward projecting edge of the cushion is substantially        U-shaped in each of the extended and the retracted positions and        all positions there between.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicleseating assembly comprises a seat frame, a cushion fixedly attached at afirst end thereof to the seat frame, and a motor disposed on the seatframe and operably coupled with a displaceable second end of thecushion, wherein actuation of the motor operates the cushion between anextended position and a retracted position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a motor vehicleseating assembly comprises a seat frame and a displaceable cushionhaving a first end operably coupled with a forward portion of the seatframe and a second end operably coupled with the seat frame, wherein thedisplaceable cushion is operable between an extended position and aretracted position. A first slidable member is operably coupled with thesecond end of the displaceable cushion, and a second slidable memberoperably coupled to the first slidable member and operably coupled to abottom surface of the seat frame, wherein the first slidable member isslidably disposed relative the first slidable member. A motor isoperably coupled with the second end of the displaceable cushion and theseat frame, and a drive mechanism operatively couples the motor with thesecond end of the displaceable cushion, wherein actuation of the motoroperates the displaceable cushion between the extended and retractedpositions.

According to a yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a motorvehicle seating assembly comprises a seat frame comprising a seat baseand a seat cushion base, wherein the seat cushion base has an uppersurface upon which a stationary padded seat is supported and the seatcushion base further comprises a bottom surface. A cushion is attachedat a first end to the seat frame. A telescoping rail assembly isoperably coupled with a second end of the cushion and the seat frame. Amotor is disposed on the seat frame and is operably coupled with thesecond end of the cushion, wherein actuation of the motor operates thecushion between an extended position and a retracted position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seatingassembly of the present invention disposed in a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cushion and interface member of thelower seat of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an perspective exploded view of the lower seat of the vehicleseating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6A is a perspective front and side view of the movable housing ofthe extendable member of the leg supports of the lower seat of thevehicle seating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6B is a perspective rear and side view of the movable housing ofthe extendable member of the leg supports of the lower seat of thevehicle seating assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7A is a partial side cross-sectional elevational view taken at lineVIIA-VIIA of FIG. 4 illustrating the leg support in a retractedposition;

FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the extendable member of the leg support ofthe lower seat of the vehicle seating assembly of the present inventionillustrating the leg support in a retracted position;

FIG. 8A is a partial side cross-sectional elevational view taken at lineVIIA-VIIA of FIG. 4 illustrating the leg supports in an extendedposition;

FIG. 8B is a bottom view of the extendable member of the leg support ofthe lower seat of the vehicle seating assembly of the present inventionillustrating the leg supports in an extended position;

FIG. 9A is a bottom front perspective view of the extendable member ofthe leg support of the lower seat of the vehicle seating assembly of thepresent invention with the lower clamshell of the movable housingremoved illustrating the leg supports in a retracted position;

FIG. 9B is a bottom rear perspective view of the extendable member ofthe leg support of the lower seat of the vehicle seating assembly of thepresent invention with the lower clamshell of the movable housingremoved illustrating the leg supports in an extended position;

FIGS. 10A-C are a series of bottom views of the extendable member of theleg support of the lower seat of the vehicle seating assembly of thepresent invention illustrating the leg supports in the extended,partially retracted, and fully retracted positions;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a motorvehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the motor vehicleseating assembly of FIG. 11, wherein the nose of the lower seat assemblycushion is in a retracted position;

FIG. 13 is partial, cross-sectional side view of the motor vehicleseating assembly of FIG. 11, wherein the nose of the lower seat assemblycushion is in an extended position;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial, cross-sectional side view of the motorvehicle seating assembly of FIG. 11, wherein the nose of the lower seatassembly cushion is in the retracted position;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial, cross-sectional side view of the motorvehicle seating assembly of FIG. 11, wherein the nose of the lower seatassembly cushion is in the extended position

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the seat base of the seat frame of thelower seat of the motor vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the assembled seat base and seatcushion base of the seat frame of the lower seat of the motor vehicleseating assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the interface of the assembled seatbase and seat cushion base of the seat frame of the lower seat of themotor vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the lower seat assembly ofthe motor vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As referenced in the Figures, the same reference numerals may be usedherein to refer to the same parameters and components or their similarmodifications and alternatives. For purposes of description herein, theterms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the presentdisclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood thatthe present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations,except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.The drawings referenced herein are schematic and associated viewsthereof are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 generally designates avehicle seating assembly for a vehicle 8 having a lower seat 12 and anupwardly extending seatback 14. The seatback 14 supports a headrest 16thereon. The seatback 14 is pivotally coupled with the lower seat 12,such that the seatback 14 can be moved between upright and inclinedpositions. The headrest 16 is operably, and preferably slidably, coupledwith the seatback 14 and also positioned in a variety of positionsrelative to the seatback 14 to support the head and neck of a driver ora passenger.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower seat 12 includes a seatframe 18 to which a first and second leg support 20, 22 are pivotallycoupled with a forward portion 24 of the lower seat 12. The first legsupport 20 is preferably operable between raised and lowered positions.A first extendable member 26 is disposed beneath the first leg support20 and is operable between an extended and a retracted position. Thesecond leg support 22 is adjacent to and independent of the first legsupport 20 and is likewise preferably pivotally coupled with the forwardportion 24 of the seat frame 18, such that the second leg support 22 isoperable between raised and lowered positions. A second extendablemember 28 is likewise disposed beneath the second leg support 22 and isoperable between extended and retracted positions.

The seat frame 18 includes first and second side members 30, 32 (FIG. 4)supported on legs 34 (FIG. 5). Laterally extending frame members 36(FIG. 5) extend between the first and second side members 30, 32. Thelegs 34 are operably coupled with seat track slide assemblies 38 thatare secured to a floor 40 of the vehicle 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle seating assembly 10 isgenerally configured to apply selective support to the underside of thelegs of the driver or passenger. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, eachleg of the driver or passenger can be independently supported by thefirst and second leg supports 20, 22. The first and second leg supports20, 22 are movable between raised and lowered positions, as well asbetween extended and retracted positions to modify an effective seatingarea 42 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 and optimize accommodation ofthe size, shape, posture, and sitting positions of the driver orpassenger.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the first extendable member 26 and thesecond extendable member 28 each extends forwardly from the seatback 14.The first extendable member 26 and the second extendable member 28preferably extend forward at an angle laterally from a centerline andforwardly from an H-point to provide better leg support and comfort onthe outside of the occupant's thighs in a position that naturallyconforms to the natural leg-splay of a human occupant. This leg-splayangle is maintained in both the extended and retracted positions foroptimized comfort in all positions. The angle is preferably between 5and 10 degrees, and more preferably about 5 degrees, from the seatH-point along the centerline C of the lower seat 12. The split betweenthe first extendable member 26 and the second extendable member 28 atsuch an angle α provides improved comfort that reduces muscle strain andimproves leg and thigh support.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes aninterface member 44 that is supported over the seat frame 18. Theinterface member 44 is positioned between the seat frame 18 and theupper portion 46 of the lower seat 12. The interface member 44 isdisposed behind the first and second leg supports 20, 22 and in front ofthe seatback 14. The interface member 44 includes a pivot rod 48 thatextends between first and second sides 50, 52 of the interface member44. Additionally, a rear portion 54 of the interface member 44 includesa frame engagement component 56 that secures the interface member 44 tothe seat frame 18. The pivot rod 48 is coupled with a pivotable baseplate 58 situated beneath the first and second extendable members 26,28.

As shown in FIG. 5, first and second support bases 60, 62 support thefirst and second leg supports 20, 22, respectively. The first and secondsupport bases 60, 62 are operably coupled with first and second motors64, 66, respectively. The first motor 64 is operably coupled with adrive shaft 70. The drive shaft 70 is capable of laterally translating afirst support body 72 that includes a first movable housing 74 that isslidingly engaged by a pair of rails 76 mounted on each lateral side ofthe support base 60. A pair of slide tracks 80 mounted on the lateralside of the interior of the first movable housing 74 engages the rails76 to allow the first movable housing 74 to slide forward and backwardsrelative to the first support base 60, as will be further discussedbelow, and between extended and retracted positions. Similarly, thesecond motor 66 is operably coupled with a drive shaft 84. The driveshaft 84 is capable of laterally translating a second support body 86 ofthe second leg support 22 between extended and retracted positions. Thesecond support body 86 also includes a second movable housing 88 that isslidingly engaged by a pair of rails 90 mounted on each lateral side ofthe second support base 62. A pair of slide tracks 94 mounted on thelateral sides of the interior of the second movable housing 88 (see FIG.6B) engages the rails 90 to allow the second movable housing 88 to slideforward and backwards relative to the second support base 62 betweenextended and retracted positions (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).

Referring again to FIG. 5, the interface member 44 includes suspensionassembly 98 that supports a seat cushion 100. Preferably, the interfacemember 44 has a shape that largely complements the shape of the seatcushion 100. Specifically, the interface member 44 includes a body 102defining an aperture 104 configured to receive the suspension assembly98, which supports the seat cushion 100. At the same time, first andsecond wings 106, 108 extend from the body 102 and are configured tosupport first and second side cushions 110, 112 of the seat cushion 100.The seat cushion 100 is supported above the suspension assembly 98 andis protected by a cushion cover stock 114. It is anticipated that thecushion cover stock 114 could be any of a number of materials, includingtraditional fabrics, as well as leathers, vinyl, and fabric material.The laterally extending pivotable base plate 58 is positioned below thefirst and second leg supports 20, 22 and is coupled to the seat frame18. The laterally extending pivotable base plate 58 assists in guidingthe first and second leg supports 20, 22 between the various positions,and, at the same time, provides additional rigidity to the seat frame 18of the vehicle seating assembly 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first and second leg supports 20, 22will be discussed in further detail. The first and second leg supports20, 22 are configured to engage the interface member 44 of the vehicleseating assembly 10. Specifically, the first and second support bases60, 62 are pivotally coupled via bracket 96 with and pivot about theforward elements 118 of the suspension assembly 98 at pivot point 120,as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The first and second support bases 60, 62 arethus rotatably and fixedly coupled with the interface member 44 of thevehicle seating assembly 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second support bases 60, 62 areoperable between the raised and lowered positions about the pivot point120. Preferably, each of the first and second support bases 60, 62 arebiased to the raised position. It is generally contemplated that thesupport body 72 of the first leg support 20 and the support body 86 ofthe second leg support 22 may be movable to the raised position and thelowered position via an actuation assembly operably coupled with a motor(not shown). Alternatively, adjustment of the first and second legsupports 20, 22 may be made manually via a gear system, as understood byone having ordinary skill in the art.

In order to effect fore and aft motion of the first and second legsupports 20, 22, the first and second electric motors 64, 66 of thefirst and second leg supports 20, 22, respectively, are positioned onand affixed to the first and second support bases 60, 62. The first andsecond motors 64, 66 are operably coupled with the drive shafts 70, 84,respectively. Each drive shaft 70, 84 includes a screw gear 122 disposedthereon that engages a gear nut 124 disposed on and affixed to theinterior of the first and second movable housing 74, 88. The screw gear122 is thus mounted to the first and second support bases 60, 62 and isrotatably engaged with the gear nut 124 disposed on each of the firstand second movable housings 74, 88, which allows for linear translationof the first and second leg supports 20, 22 between the extended andretracted positions, as discussed below.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the first and second legsupports 20, 22 includes a slide assembly 126 comprising theaforementioned rails 76, 90 mounted on the first and second supportbases 60, 62 and the slide tracks 80, 94 mounted within the first andsecond movable housings 74, 88. The tracks 80, 94 of the support bodies72, 86 of the first and second leg supports 20, 22 are configured toreceive the rails 76, 90 mounted on the first and second support bases60, 62. The support bodies 72, 86 are thereby configured to engage theslide assembly 126.

The gear nut 124, as noted above, is mounted to an interior surface ofeach of the first and second movable housings 74, 88 (as shown in FIGS.9A and 9B) and is linearly translatable via the screw gear 122 betweenfore and aft positions. As described in further detail below, when thegear nut 124 is in the aft position, the relevant leg support 20 or 22is in the retracted position. Similarly, when the gear nut 124 is in theforward position, the relevant leg support 20 or 22 is in the extendedposition. The first and second extendable members 26, 28 are therebyoperatively coupled with the forward portion 24 of the lower seat 12.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, a protective wrap 130 is disposedabout an upper, lower, and forward portion of each support body 72, 86.The protective wrap 130 is itself covered by a leg support trim coverstock 132 over a cushion layer 134, the cushion layer 134 being disposedbetween the trim cover stock 132 and protective wrap 130. The legsupport cover stock 132 and the cushion layer 134 thereby conceal theprotective wrap 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the vehicle seating assembly 10 isillustrated with the second leg support 22 moved to an initial position.In the initial position, the second leg support 22 is in the retractedposition. In this initial position, the effective seating area 42 of thelower seat 12 has not been enlarged. Accordingly, the effective seatingarea 42 is generally configured to support a driver or passenger that issmaller in stature. In the event the driver or passenger has a largerstature and wishes to change the effective seating area 42 of thevehicle seating assembly 10, then the first and second leg supports 20,22 can be extended independently, preferably at an optimized lateralangle α of between 5 to 10 degrees relative the centerline C.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the illustrated embodiment, thesecond leg support 22 has been translated to the extended position. Tomove the second leg support 22 to the extended position, the driver orpassenger would simply engage a toggle switch 136 on the lower seat 12that is operably coupled to the second motor 66. The second motor 66then activates, which turns the drive shaft 84 that is coupled with thescrew gear 122. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is contemplated thatthe benefits of the present disclosure may also be obtained in a manualsystem that does not employ motor 64, 66, but rather relies upon manualrotational input, as is known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, as the screw gear 122 rotates, the gear nut124 attached to the second movable housing 88 begins to move relative tothe screw gear 122. Specifically, when the second motor 66 operates in afirst direction, the screw gear 122 rotates such that threads of thescrew gear 122 push internal threads of the gear nut 124, whichtranslates the gear nut 124 and the second leg support 22 away from theinterface member 44 (corresponding to the extended position of thesecond leg support 22). When the second motor 66 operates in a seconddirection, the screw gear 122 turns in a second direction opposite thefirst direction, such that the gear nut 124 is drawn toward theinterface member 44 (corresponding with the retracted position of thesecond leg support 22).

As the screw gear 122 rotates in the first direction, the support body86 of the second leg support 22 is pushed outwardly away from theinterface member 44. At the same time, the second support base 62maintains position and does not move. As the gear nut 124 is rigidlymounted to the interior surface 188 of the second movable housing 88,the second leg support 22 is moved forward relative the first supportbase 60. Thus, the interaction of the rail 90 with the tracks 94 allowsfor the second leg support 22 to extend relative to the first legsupport 20.

Although the electrical motor 66 is preferably disclosed as beingmounted on the second support base 62 and the driven gear nut 124 ismounted on the interior surface of the second movable housing 88, thecomponents can be reversed. That is, the motor 66 may be mounted on thesecond movable housing 88, and the driven gear nut 124 may be mounted onthe second support base 62. In the event the driver or passenger alsowanted the first leg support 20 to be moved to the extended position,the driver or passenger could engage in the same behavior to actuate thefirst motor 64, which would then force the support body 72 of the firstleg support 20 outward in a similar fashion to that described above withreference to the second leg support 22.

A beneficial feature of the present disclosure is that as the first andsecond movable housing 74, 88 extend forwardly beneath the protectivewrap 130, cushion layer 134, and cover stock 132 of the leg supports 20,22, the cover stock 132, cushion layer 134, and protective wrap 130immediately beneath the occupant's thigh does not move. The cover stock132 and cushion cover stock 114 also form a substantially smooth surfacethat does not collect debris throughout the motion of the extendablemembers 26, 28. That is, the cover stock 132 for the leg supports 20,22, which forms a substantially rectangular panel, is at least partiallydisposed above an upper surface 138 of each of the first and secondmovable housings 74, 88 and is at least partially disposed below each ofthe first and second movable housings 74, 88.

Each cover stock 132 for the leg supports 20, 22 has a first fixed upperedge 140 and a second movable lower edge 142. The first fixed upper edge140 of the cover stock 132 is fixedly attached to the cushion coverstock 114 over the cushion to form a continuous uninterrupted lateralseam or bite 144 between the first fixed upper edge 140 of the coverstock 132 and the cushion cover stock 114. The second movable lower edge142 of the cover stock 132, located beneath each of the first and secondleg supports 20, 22, is fixedly attached to an attachment member 146,which operates to maintain tension in the cover stock 132 of the legsupports 20, 22 during the extension and retraction operation.

The attachment member 146 is part of an articulating system thatuniquely maintains the aforementioned tension in the cover stock 132 ofthe leg supports 20, 22. Each of the movable housings 74, 88 is providedwith an articulating mechanical linkage system operatively coupling themovable housing 74, 88 to the second movable lower edge 142 of the trimcover stock 132 to maintain tension on the trim cover stock 132 aseither of the first and second extendable members 26, 28 is operatedbetween the extended and retracted positions. Each of the movablehousings 74, 88 of the first and second extendable members 26, 28further comprises an integrated track 148 disposed on a lower surface150 of the movable housing 74, 88, and a trim payout slider 152 operablycoupled with the integrated track 148 and adapted for fore and aftmotion therein. The trim payout attachment member 146 is also operablycoupled with the trim payout slider 152.

As the integrated track 148 is disposed on the lower surface 150 of themovable housing 74, 88, the trim payout slider 152 is effectivelyconcealed from view and is relatively free from interference in itsoperation. The trim payout slider 152 is operably coupled with theintegrated track 148 and adapted for fore and aft motion therein, andthe trim payout attachment member 146 is operably coupled with thesecond movable lower edge 142 of the trim cover stock 132 and isoperably coupled with the trim payout slider 152. The trim payout slider152 is thus operably coupled with the second movable lower edge 142 ofthe cover stock 132 via the trim payout attachment member 146, and isthus capable of moving the second movable lower edge 142 of the coverstock 132, as discussed further below.

The trim payout slider 152 preferably has a pair of outwardly extendingand opposing shoulders 154 above a central body 156 and a lower rail158. Preferably, the lower rail 158 is integral with the trim payoutattachment member 146 coupled with the trim payout slider 152, as shownin FIG. 6A. The longitudinal integrated track 148 preferably comprises alongitudinal slot 160 on the lower surface 150 of the movable housing74, 88 that receives the central body 156 of the trim payout slider 152,the longitudinal slot 160 having a lateral width less than the lateralwidth of each of the outwardly extending and opposing shoulders 154 andthe lower rail 158, whereby the trim payout slider 152 is retained inthe longitudinal slot 160.

The movable housings 74, 88 include mating lower and upper clamshells162, 164 and a pair of lateral endcaps 166 to form therein a cavitywithin which the tracks 94 are received and mounted, the tracks 80, 94disposed on each interior side each engage one of the slide rails 76, 90of the support bases 60, 62 and upon which either of the first andsecond extendable members 26, 28 slides between the extended andretracted positions. A partially forward facing surface 168 of the lowerclamshell 162 of the movable housings 74, 88 has a forward facingopening 170 that is continuous with the longitudinal slot 160. Theopening 170 has at least a portion of its lateral width greater than thelateral width of the outwardly extending and opposing shoulders 154 ofthe trim payout slider 152, whereby during assembly, the trim payoutslider 152 may be inserted into the longitudinal slot 160 throughforward facing opening 170 and thereby be adapted for slidable motionwithin the longitudinal slot 160.

The second moveable lower edge 142 of the trim cover stock 132 may beattached along the width of the trim payout attachment member 146 via anumber of different methods, of which those skilled in the art will beaware. Preferably, a plurality of retainers 172 are passed through thesecond moveable lower edge 142 of the cover stock 132 and are placed inregularly spaced intervals within openings 174 across the lateral widthof the cover stock 132, so as to securely grasp the second moveablelower edge 142 of the cover stock 132 along its entire width andmaintain an even tension along the same.

Preferably, the linkage system employs a first fixed pivot 176 disposedwithin the cavity within the movable housing 74, 88. The first fixedpivot 176 is preferably mounted to the support base 60, 62 proximate anouter edge 178 of the movable housing 74, 88. The first fixed pivot 176may be integrally formed as part of the support base 60, 62 as anextending boss or, preferably, as a separate bracket 179 may be fixedlyattached to a forward portion 180 of the support base 60, 62. A seconddisplaceable pivot 182 is disposed within the cavity and is preferablymounted to an upper portion 184 of the trim payout slider 152 proximatethe lateral center of the movable housing 74, 88. A third fixed pivot186 is disposed within the cavity and is mounted to an interior surface188 of the lower clamshell 162 of movable housings 74, 88 intermediatethe first and second pivots. Preferably, the third fixed pivot 186 isformed as a molded boss into the interior surface 188 of the lowerclamshell 162 of the movable housing 74, 88, as best shown in FIG. 6B.

The linkage system also includes a pivot bracket 190 having a first endpivotably coupled with the first fixed pivot 176, the seconddisplaceable pivot 182, and the third fixed pivot 186. That is, thepivot bracket 190 is pivotally connected at a first end 192 to the firstfixed pivot 176 mounted to the support base 60, 62 via an opening 194having a diameter that rotatably accepts the diameter of the first fixedpivot 176. The pivot bracket 190 is also pivotally connected at a secondend 196 to the second displaceable pivot 182 mounted to trim payoutslider 152 via an elongated end slot 198 extending longitudinally withina portion of the pivot bracket 190. The end slot 198 has a width thatrotatably accepts the diameter of the second displaceable pivot 182. Thesecond displaceable pivot 182 on the trim payout slider 152 is therebyoperably coupled with the movable lower edge 142 of the trim cover stock132 via the attachment member 146, as described above. The pivot bracket190 further has an intermediate slot 200 disposed intermediate the firstand second ends 192, 196 of the pivot bracket 190. The intermediate slot200 also extends longitudinally within a portion of the pivot bracket190. The intermediate slot 200 likewise has a width that rotatablyaccepts the diameter of the third fixed pivot 186. The intermediate slot200 is thereby pivotably coupled with and engaged by the third fixedpivot 186 disposed within the cavity and mounted to the interior surface188 of the movable housing 74, 88 intermediate the first and second ends192, 196 of the pivot bracket 190.

With the second end 196 of the pivot bracket 190 coupled with andengaging the trim payout slider 152, where the end slot 198 is pivotablycoupled with the second displaceable pivot 182 on the trim payout slider152 and the intermediate slot 200 is pivotably coupled with the thirdfixed pivot 186 on the movable housings 74, 88, extension of either ofthe first or second extendable members 20, 22 from the retractedposition to the extended position inherently moves the third fixed pivot186 mounted on the interior surface 188 of the movable housing 74, 88forward within the intermediate slot 200 and thereby urges the pivotbracket 190 forward. The end slot 198 pivotably coupled with the seconddisplaceable pivot 182 mounted on the trim payout slider 152 is therebyurged forward along the integrated track 148, as is the attachmentmember 146 and the second movable lower edge 142 of the cover stock 132,as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C. Retraction of either of the first or secondextendable members 26, 28 from the extended position to the retractedposition moves the third fixed pivot 186 rearward within theintermediate slot 200 and thereby urges the pivot bracket 190 rearward,whereupon the end slot 198 pivotably coupled with the seconddisplaceable pivot 182 mounted on the trim payout slider 152 urges thetrim payout slider 152 rearward within the integrated track 148, alongwith the attachment member 146 and the second movable lower edge 142 ofthe cover stock 132, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C.

Thus, as the trim payout slider 152 is moved forward and rearward, theoperably coupled trim payout attachment member 146 and the secondmovable lower edge 142 of the cover stock 132 are moved forward andrearward. Preferably, the longitudinal displacement of the secondmovable lower edge 142 of the cover stock 132, as well as the trimpayout slider 152 and attachment member 146, between the extendedposition and the retracted position of the extendable member position isabout twice the longitudinal displacement of the movable housing 74, 88of the extendable members 26, 28 between the extended position and theretracted position. That is, as best shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, thedistance X¹-X is about twice the distance Y¹-Y.

Notably, the first and second leg supports 20, 22 may be at the loweredposition, the raised position, or any position there betweensimultaneously. However, the first and second leg supports 20, 22 mayalso be placed at different positions. For example, the first legsupport 20 may be at the lowered position, while the second leg support22 may be at the raised position. Moreover, at the same time, regardlessof the raised or lowered positions of the first and second leg supports20, 22, the first and second leg supports 20, 22 may also be at theextended or retracted positions. Again, the first and second legsupports 20, 22 may be placed at the retracted position or the extendedposition simultaneously. Alternatively, the first and second legsupports 20, 22 may be positioned differently. For example, the firstleg support 20 may be at the lowered position and the retractedposition, while the second leg support 22 may be at the extendedposition and the raised position.

As generally noted above, it will be understood that the first andsecond leg supports 20, 22 can be in the raised or lowered position, orany position there between, and at the same time, be in the extended orretracted position. Movement of the first and second leg supports 20, 22between the raised and lowered positions is independent of movement ofthe first and second leg supports 20, 22 between the extended andretracted positions.

The vehicle seating assembly as disclosed herein includes first andsecond independently movable leg supports 20, 22 configured to provideindependent support to the legs of a driver or passenger. For example,for a driver, frequently, the right leg of the driver is in an extendedposition to actuate the pedals. At the same time, particularly invehicles equipped with an automatic transmission that does not requirethe manipulation of a clutch pedal, the left leg of the driver may beretracted to provide comfort to the driver. The vehicle seating assembly10 as disclosed herein can allow for additional support under the rightleg of the driver, thereby minimizing the likelihood that the enduranceof the driver will wane over long trips. The vehicle seating 10 assemblyas disclosed herein also provides additional comfort as the leg supports20, 22 can be specifically moved and adjusted to conform to thepreferred seating style of a particular driver or passenger.

As a further embodiment, reference numeral 210 generally designatesanother embodiment of a motor vehicle seating assembly for a motorvehicle 8 having a lower seat assembly 212 and an upwardly extendingseat back assembly 214. The seat back assembly 214 preferably supports aheadrest 216 thereon. The seat back assembly 214 is preferably pivotallycoupled with the lower seat assembly 212, such that the seat backassembly 214 can be moved between upright and inclined positionsrelative the lower seat assembly 212. The headrest 216 is operably and,preferably, slidably connected with the seat back assembly 214 and isalso positioned in a variety of positions and heights relative to theseat back assembly 214 to support the head and neck of a driver or apassenger.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 16, 17, and 19, the lower seat assembly 212includes a seat frame 218 comprising a seat base 220 and a seat cushionbase 222. The seat base 220 substantially defines an enclosure having aback wall 224 and a pair of lateral walls 226, 228 extending forward ofand orthogonally to the back wall 224. The seat base 220 may include alower wall or brace 230 by which the motor vehicle seating assembly 210may be mounted to the structure of the motor vehicle. The seat base 220may further comprise a pair of symmetrically configured and laterallydisplaced mounting ears 232, 234 disposed on an interior surface 236 ofeach of the pair of lateral walls 226, 228. The mounting ears 232, 234project into an interior of the enclosure of the seat base 220. Asshown, it should be understood that the seat frame 218, and itscomponents thereof, may be fabricated via injection molding processesand may be constructed of polymer resins in order to obtain thegeometries depicted.

The seat cushion base 222 of the seat frame 218 has an upper surface 238upon which a stationary padded seat 240 is provided and upon which themotor vehicle driver or passenger may be seated. The seat cushion base222 also has a bottom surface 242 on which a pair of laterally displacedattachment surfaces 44 is disposed. As shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and19, the seat cushion base 222 may be supported by the laterallydisplaced attachment surfaces 244 disposed on the bottom surface 242thereof. Each laterally displaced attachment surface 244 is attached toone of the pair of laterally displaced mounting ears 232, 234.Preferably, each of the pair of laterally displaced mounting ears 232,234 and the laterally displaced attachment surfaces 244 comprise alignedattachment holes 246, 248, respectively, for attachment of the seatcushion base 222 to the seat base 220 via a fastener 268.

The motor vehicle seating assembly 210 also includes a displaceablecushion 250 that may be actuated between an extended position and aretracted position. As is particularly shown in FIGS. 12-15, a forwardprojecting edge or displaceable cushion nose 252 of the displaceablecushion 250 is substantially U-shaped in each of the extended and theretracted positions and all positions there between. The displaceablecushion 250 preferably is constructed from a flexible material providedwith an outer surface comprised of trim cover stock that matches thetrim stock covering the stationary padded seat 240.

The displaceable cushion 250 has a first end 254 that is preferablyattached to the upper surface 238 of a forward portion 256 of the seatcushion base 222 of the seat frame 218. Preferably, the first end 254 ofthe displaceable cushion 250 and a first end 258 of the stationarypadded seat 240 are in juxtaposed and abutting relation as thedisplaceable cushion 250 is operated between the extended and retractedpositions, thus preserving an aesthetically pleasing and generallycontinuous upper surface 238 of the lower seat assembly 212 at alltimes. The first end 254 of the displaceable cushion 250 may be attachedto the upper surface 238 of the seat cushion base 222 by any number ofmethods, including adhesives, J-retainer attachments, threadedfasteners, etc., as will be appreciated by those having skilled in theart.

A second end 260 of the displaceable cushion 250 is operably coupledwith a first slidable member 262, which comprises one of a pair oftelescoping rails of a rail assembly 264. Preferably, the first slidablemember 262 is fixedly attached to the second end 260 of the displaceablecushion 250, as noted above and as will be apparent to those havingskill in the art. The first slidable member 262 is in turn coupled witha second slidable member 266, which comprises a second of the pair oftelescoping rails of the rail assembly 264, which is operably coupledwith the seat frame 218. The first slidable member 262 is preferablyslidably disposed relative the second slidable member 266. Further, thesecond slidable member 266 is operably coupled with the bottom surface242 of the seat cushion base 222 of the seat frame 218, and ispreferably fixedly attached thereto by fasteners or other such similardevices. The rail assembly 264 is preferably sized to be robust enoughto support the load of the driver or passenger seated in the motorvehicle seating assembly 210, as well as to maintain alignment of thecomponents during operation.

In addition, the motor vehicle seating assembly 210 includes a motor 270mounted beneath the seat cushion base 222. The motor may be mounted tothe bottom surface 242 of the seat cushion base 222, the back wall 224of the seat base 220, or any other such convenient location on the seatframe 218 that would allow the motor 270 to be fixedly attached to theseat frame 218. The motor 270 is preferably operably coupled with adrive mechanism 272 to operate the displaceable cushion 250 between theextended and retracted positions. The drive mechanism 272 preferablyincludes a threaded spindle 274 extending from and driven by the motor270 operably disposed on the seat frame 218. A spindle nut 276preferably threadingly receives the threaded spindle 274 and is operablycoupled with the second end 260 of the displaceable cushion 250 viaspindle nut coupler 278, whereby actuation of the motor 270 rotates thethreaded spindle 274 to displace the spindle nut 276 and the second end260 of the displaceable cushion 250 between a first positioncorresponding with the extended position of the cushion and a secondposition corresponding with the retracted position of the displaceablecushion 250.

Preferably, when the motor vehicle seating assembly is assembled andinstalled in the motor vehicle, each of the motor 270, threaded spindle274, and spindle nut 276 are disposed beneath the seat cushion base 222of the seat frame 218 and hidden from view from a position at the samelevel or above the motor vehicle seating assembly.

As described herein, a simple and unique method of moving a nose 252 ofthe displaceable cushion 250 is disclosed. A motor 270 is mountedunderneath the seat cushion base 222, which turns a threaded spindle274. A first end 254 of a flexible, U-shaped, and displaceable cushion250 is mounted to a forward portion 256 of the seat cushion base 222.The threaded spindle 274 is connected to a spindle nut 276 mounted to asecond end 260 of the displaceable cushion 250, which is likewisepartially tucked under the seat cushion base 222. Operating the motor270 turns the threaded spindle 274, which pushes or pulls on the spindlenut 276 and the second end 260 of the displaceable cushion 250, which inturn lengthens the cushion nose 252 extending forward in the motorvehicle seating assembly 210 or shortens the cushion nose 252 extendedforward in the motor vehicle seating assembly 210. The displaceablecushion 250 so extended and retracted is connected to the seat frame 218with a rail assembly 264 to support the load of the motor vehicle driveror passenger seated in the motor vehicle seating assembly 210. The railassembly 264 also maintains alignment of the components duringoperation.

A major advantage of present disclosure is its simplicity of operation.Due to the “rolling” function of the combination of the displaceablecushion 250 and the stationary padded seat 240, which preferentiallycombine to form a substantially continuous and stationary horizontalseating surface, the extension of the cushion nose 252 is obtainedexclusively via the U-shaped displaceable cushion 250. Thus, only onedimension of travel is required. Further, the present disclosureprovides a device with a limited number of components, with the inherentadvantages such limited number of components provides.

Finally, the device of the present disclosure provides a finer controlof the displacement of the nose 252 of the displaceable cushion 250.Such finer control is a result of the fixed mechanical connection of thefirst end 254 of the displaceable cushion 50 with the forward portion256 of the seat cushion base 222 and the displaceable mechanicalconnection of the second end 260 of the displaceable cushion 250 withthe spindle nut 276, which combine to create a 2:1 mechanical advantage.For example, in order to extend the displaceable cushion nose 252forward one inch, the spindle nut 276 attached to the second end 260 ofthe displaceable cushion 250 must advance two inches. This mechanicaladvantage also allows a less powerful motor to be used, saving on theweight and cost of the motor.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the present disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” or “operablycoupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.)generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical)directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary innature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the twocomponents (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent innature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwisestated.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “connected” or “operablyconnected” (in all of its forms, connect, connecting, connected, etc.)generally means that one component functions with respect to anothercomponent, even if there are other components located between the firstand second component, and the term “operable” defines a functionalrelationship between components.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure,those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readilyappreciate that, unless otherwise described, many modifications arepossible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formedmay be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple partsmay be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may bereversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connector or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating positions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motor vehicle seating assembly comprising: aseat frame comprising a seat base and a seat cushion base, wherein theseat base comprises an enclosure having a back wall and a pair oflateral walls extending forward of and orthogonally to the back wall,and the seat base further comprises a pair of laterally displacedmounting ears disposed on an interior surface of each of the pair oflateral walls and projecting into an interior of the enclosure of theseat base; a flexible cushion fixedly attached at a first end thereof tothe seat frame, wherein the first end of the cushion is fixedly attachedto a forward portion of the seat cushion base, the seat cushion basefurther comprises a pair of laterally displaced attachment surfacesdisposed on a bottom surface of the seat cushion base, and the seatcushion base is supported by the laterally displaced attachmentsurfaces, each of which is attached to one of the pair of laterallydisplaced mounting ears; and a motor disposed on the seat frame andoperably coupled with a displaceable second end of the cushion, whereinactuation of the motor operates the cushion between an extended positionand a retracted position.
 2. The vehicle assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: a rail operably coupled with the second end of the cushionand the seat frame; and a drive mechanism comprising a threaded spindleextending from and driven by the motor operably disposed on the seatframe, and a spindle nut threadingly receiving the threaded spindle andoperably coupled with the second end of the cushion, whereby actuationof the motor rotates the threaded spindle to displace the spindle nutand the second end of the cushion between a first position correspondingwith the extended position of the cushion and a second positioncorresponding with the retracted position of the cushion.
 3. The motorvehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the pair oflaterally displaced mounting ears and the laterally displaced attachmentsurfaces comprise aligned attachment holes for attachment of the seatcushion base to the seat base.
 4. The motor vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the seat base further comprises a lower wall by whichthe motor vehicle seating assembly is mounted to a motor vehiclestructure.
 5. The motor vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein aforward projecting edge of the cushion is substantially U-shaped in eachof the extended and the retracted positions and all position therebetween.
 6. The motor vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein thecushion further is comprised of a flexible material and has an outersurface comprised of trim cover stock.
 7. A motor vehicle seatingassembly comprising: a seat frame comprising a seat base and a seatcushion base, wherein the seat base comprises an enclosure having a backwall and a pair of lateral walls extending forward of and orthogonallyto the back wall, and the seat base further comprises a pair oflaterally displaced mounting ears disposed on an interior surface ofeach of the pair of lateral walls and projecting into an interior of theenclosure of the seat base; a displaceable cushion having a first endoperably coupled with a forward portion of the seat frame and a secondend operably coupled with the seat frame, wherein the first end of thecushion is fixedly attached to a forward portion of the seat cushionbase, the seat cushion base further comprises a pair of laterallydisplaced attachment surfaces disposed on a bottom surface of the seatcushion base, and the seat cushion base is supported by the laterallydisplaced attachment surfaces, each of which is attached to one of thepair of laterally displaced mounting ears, and wherein the displaceablecushion is operable between an extended position and a retractedposition; a first slidable member operably coupled with the second endof the displaceable cushion; a second slidable member operably coupledto the first slidable member and operably coupled to a bottom surface ofthe seat frame, wherein the first slidable member is slidably disposedrelative the second slidable member; a motor operably coupled with thesecond end of the displaceable cushion and the seat frame; and a drivemechanism operatively coupling the motor with the second end of thedisplaceable cushion, wherein actuation of the motor operates thedisplaceable cushion between the extended and retracted positions. 8.The motor vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the drivemechanism comprises a threaded spindle extending from and driven by themotor operably coupled with the seat frame and a spindle nut threadinglyreceiving the threaded spindle and operably coupled with the second endof the displaceable cushion, whereby actuation of the motor rotates thethreaded spindle to displace the spindle nut and the second end of thedisplaceable cushion to operate the cushion between the extended andretracted positions.
 9. The motor vehicle seating assembly of claim 8,wherein the motor, threaded spindle, and spindle nut are disposedbeneath the seat frame and hidden from view from a position at the samelevel or above the motor vehicle seating assembly.
 10. The motor vehicleseating assembly of claim 8, wherein the seat frame comprises a seatbase and a seat cushion base and the seat cushion base has an uppersurface upon which a stationary padded seat is supported and the seatcushion base further comprises the bottom surface to which the secondslidable member is operably coupled.
 11. The motor vehicle seatingassembly of claim 7, wherein the first slidable member is fixedlyattached to the second end of the cushion.
 12. The motor vehicle seatingassembly of claim 7, wherein the second slidable member is fixedlyattached to the bottom surface of the seat frame.
 13. The motor vehicleseating assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second slidablemembers comprise a pair of telescoping rails.
 14. The motor vehicleseating assembly of claim 7, wherein the motor is fixedly attached tothe seat frame.
 15. A motor vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatframe comprising a seat base and a seat cushion base, wherein the seatbase comprises an enclosure having a back wall and a pair of lateralwalls extending forward of and orthogonally to the back wall, and theseat base further comprises a pair of laterally displaced mounting earsdisposed on an interior surface of each of the pair of lateral walls andprojecting into an interior of the enclosure of the seat base, andwherein the seat cushion base has an upper surface upon which astationary padded seat is supported and the seat cushion base furthercomprises a bottom surface; a cushion attached at a first end to theseat frame, wherein the first end of the cushion is fixedly attached toa forward portion of the seat cushion base, the seat cushion basefurther comprises a pair of laterally displaced attachment surfacesdisposed on the bottom surface of the seat cushion base, and the seatcushion base is supported by the laterally displaced attachmentsurfaces, each of which is attached to one of the pair of laterallydisplaced mounting ears; a telescoping rail assembly operably coupledwith a second end of the cushion and the seat frame; and a motordisposed on a the seat frame and operably coupled with the second end ofthe cushion, wherein actuation of the motor operates the cushion betweenan extended position and a retracted position.
 16. The motor vehicleseating assembly of claim 15, wherein the first end of the cushion and afirst end of the stationary padded seat are in juxtaposed and abuttingrelation as the cushion is operated between the extended and retractedpositions.